By CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
COBDEN — The Ellis family will be allowed to keep chickens in its yard, following approval by Whitewater Region council.
The issue of the chickens was discussed at the protective services committee meeting last night, and the recommendation to allow the chickens to be kept by the family was passed by council later in the evening.
Bylaw officer Doug Schultz said he received phone calls about the chickens being kept on the property, which was against the township bylaw. However, the family doctor advised it would be beneficial to the children if the chickens remained.
Reeve Terry Millar said he met with the family and children, and the doctor’s advice is to allow the family to keep the chickens so their life is not disrupted.
“They need help,” he said. “The chickens are their comfort zone.”
Councillor Dave Mackay also went to see the Ellis family and believes with the small amount of chickens, there’s not much harm being done.
“I think it’s just people causing trouble,” he said.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin said he has no problem with allowing this, especially for the children, but there should be a limit put in the motion as to how many chickens there should be.
Reeve Millar agreed and said, “Figure out how many they have and limit it to that number.”
Mayor Hal Johnson, who also went to the home, noted the chicken facility has no windows but is well ventilated. And while there is a rooster, “the door is kept closed until a respectable time,” he added.
He doesn’t believe 10 chickens would be too many.
Mr. Schultz will visit the family again and advise that no more chickens than what is currently on the property will be allowed.
